ELEVATE NXT 2026 – Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program

Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology (IT&BT), Government of Karnataka – through Startup Karnataka under the LEAP framework

Karnataka

Advanced manufacturing, AI / ML, AR / VR, DeepTech Startups, Digital Health Solutions, Financial Inclusion Technology, Quantum Computing, Technology

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₹10,000,000.00

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Application Start Date

January 18, 2026

Deadline to Submission

February 17, 2026

Eligibilie Stages

Prototype Stage, MVP Stage, Early Revenue Stage

N.B.

Ensure your application clearly explains why your startup qualifies as Deeptech, with evidence of TRL, IP, and scientific/engineering depth. Align problem statement, solution, and milestones to the programme’s evaluation criteria; incomplete or generic submissions risk being filtered out at the data-sufficiency stage. Emphasize societal impact, global scalability, and commitment to establishing a strong presence in Karnataka if selected

Grant Application Direct URL

https://www.missionstartupkarnataka.org/elevate-karnataka?en

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What ELEVATE NXT 2026 Offers

ELEVATE NXT 2026 is a Deeptech grant-in-aid programme. First, it falls under Karnataka’s LEAP framework. Next, Startup Karnataka implements it. In fact, the Department of Electronics, IT & BT oversees everything. Moreover, it provides non-dilutive grants up to ₹1 crore. As a result, startups receive funds on a milestone basis. Ultimately, this helps validate and scale Deeptech ideas.

For example, selected teams gain mentorship. Additionally, they get domain guidance. Plus, they access Karnataka’s ecosystem. Specifically, this includes industry links. Also, it offers investor networks. Furthermore, research partners join in. Therefore, the ₹150 crore corpus backs promising ventures. In particular, these show tech depth. Similarly, they prove societal value. Finally, they aim for global scale.

Purpose and Impact

Overall, the goal is clear. To start, it builds a transparent framework. Consequently, this identifies Deeptech startups. Notably, these create novel solutions. Moreover, they root in science and engineering. For instance, it targets AI/ML. Then, robotics follows. Likewise, semiconductors and quantum tech apply. In addition, climate energy, aerospace, healthtech, and automation complete the list.

Hence, grants speed up commercialization. At the same time, they boost IP creation. Further, they enhance global edge. Thus, Karnataka advances its “Deeptech Decade” vision.

Key Benefits

First, up to ₹1 crore grant. It’s non-dilutive. Funds link to milestones.
Second, Pan-India open. Out-state winners relocate to Karnataka.
Third, expert mentorship. Evaluation aligns with sectors.
Fourth, progress from lab to market. Solutions become scalable.
Finally, ties to ₹150 crore initiative. Matches Startup Policy goals.

Eligibility

(Consolidated from official IT&BT / Startup Karnataka communication and programme summaries.)

Startup must be incorporated in India as a Private Limited, LLP, or registered partnership.

Startup age up to 10 years from date of incorporation at time of application.

Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.

Minimum team size of two full-time members is expected.

Must be an independent entity (not a subsidiary / step-down subsidiary of an existing company).

Must qualify as a Deeptech startup with TRL typically between 3 and 8, supported by proof-of-concept, prototype, or scientific validation.

Should be working in priority Deeptech sectors such as AI/ML, quantum, semiconductors, robotics, climate/energy, mobility, space, health, advanced manufacturing, etc.

Should not have received ELEVATE grant support in the last 3 years under earlier cohorts.

Location Eligibility

Startups from across India may apply; however, selected startups registered outside Karnataka must relocate / shift their registered office to Karnataka within a specified period (typically 4 months) after selection to receive the grant.

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